The Son

A wealthy man loved to collect rare works of art. He had everything in his collection, from Picasso to Raphael.. He would often sit and admire the great works of art.

When the man died a great auction of his paintings was held. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.

On the platform sat the painting of “The Son.” This painting was of the old man’s son who had died in the Vietnam war. The auctioneer pounded his gavel and yelled,“We will start the bidding with this picture of The Son.” “Who will bid for this picture?” Total silence.

Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, “We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.”

But the auctioneer persisted. “Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? Anyone? $100.00, $200.00?”

Another voice angrily shouted . “We didn’t come here to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids. We want the works of art!”

But still the auctioneer continued. “The Son! The Son! Who’ll Take The Son?”

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the long-time gardener of the man and his son.

” I’ll give $10 for the painting.” Being a poor man, it was all that he could afford. “We have $10, who will bid $20?” “Give it to him for $10. Let’s see the masters.” “$10 is the bid, won’t someone bid $20? $15?”

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn’t want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel. “Going once, twice, SOLD for $10! “Someone sitting in the second row shouted, “Now let’s get on with the collection!”

The auctioneer laid down his gavel. “I’m sorry, the auction is over.”

”What about the paintings?” “I am sorry.” Said the auctioneer. “When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of “The Son” would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!”

God is waiting for you to take “The Son”, because “Whoever Takes The Son gets everything.”

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.